Fantasy reality: Lauren Toal presents the trophy to trainer John 'Ginger' McGee after Jaxx On Fantasy broke the track record when landing the Toals Bookmakers Northern Irish Derby at Drumbo

A record-breaking run from the Toals Bookmakers Northern Irish Derby favourite Jaxx On Fantasy thrilled a packed Drumbo Park crowd.

Tyrone-born trainer John 'Ginger' McGee picked up the £6,000 winner's cheque for Hungarian owner Mihaly Gamyecz after the white and black dog broke the 550 track record, clocking a fabulous 29.45 seconds in beating last year's champion Captain Scolari by a length and a half.

The other McGee runner, Gizmo Classic owned by his grandson Jamie, took the £700 prize for third, a length further back.

"Everything went perfectly for Jaxx and he really loves the inside. I couldn't ask for more while Gizmo did his usual running but gives away ground by running wide," said McGee.

"We'll be back in a fortnight's time with both along with Graduation Day for the Caledonia Smooth Gold Cup," he added.

From the off, Jaxx hit the ground running from the Captain with Gizmo out wide in third as they approached the first turn. They entered the back straight in that order and despite the gallant effort of Scolari, he could not make up the deficit and had to give best to a brilliant winner who beat the previous record (29.51) by a length.

The best of the local finalists was Gerry Flynn's Belfast bitch Flagfield Tiny who took fifth, a length and a half behind Dublin-owned Emily Next Door, while Lotus Paddy, handled by Markethill's David Parkhill, was sixth.

The supporting races produced some fine performances, not least from Jimmy Murray's Movilla Flyer in the Open 525. Based in Newtownards, the dog is the most improved tracker in the last six weeks and this latest success was his sixth on the bounce.

A black son of Flying Stanley, he made all from the inside. He has early pace and the ability to stay, so when he hit the first bend in front and with a major pile-up in behind, he was left clear.

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